After four days of intensive deliberations in Barcelona, Spain, the 30th General Assembly of the International Union of Architects (UIA) officially concluded on 5 July, completing the full agenda of the 2023-2026 term. The Assembly adopted a series of significant resolutions on governance, organizational reform, and the future direction of the UIA, while electing a new leadership team for the 2026-2029 term, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the world’s largest international architectural organization.
The Assembly sets key directions for the next term
Throughout the Assembly, member sections focused on strategic issues concerning the future of the UIA and the evolving role of architects as the world confronts mounting challenges related to urban development, climate change, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
Delegates voted to approve amendments to the UIA Constitution, Regulations, and several governance documents. These revisions aim to build a more transparent, professional, and effective organization by strengthening leadership accountability, improving financial governance and professional ethics, and creating greater opportunities for member sections to participate in the Union’s policymaking and activities.
The Assembly also acknowledged the achievements of the UIA’s professional work programmes during the past term. Reports addressed many of the issues shaping the future of architecture, including architectural education, sustainable development, heritage conservation, the application of artificial intelligence in professional practice, the quality of the built environment, accessibility for all, and international cooperation. Together, these initiatives provide a solid foundation for the UIA to further strengthen its position as the leading global platform for the architectural profession.
In parallel, delegates endorsed an expanded international programme for the UIA through the more frequent organization of thematic international forums in addition to the World Congress of Architects. The initiative aims to strengthen the Union’s regional presence while promoting international dialogue on the most pressing issues facing architecture today.
Professor Zhang Li elected the new UIA President
One of the Assembly’s most anticipated agenda items was the election of the UIA President for the 2026-2029 term.
Prior to the election, each presidential candidate presented their vision and programme for the next term. Under the theme “Moving Forward”, Professor Zhang Li outlined his vision of a financially stronger UIA with greater international influence and a broader role for architects in addressing global challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and digital transformation.
His presentation also emphasized stronger connections among member sections, greater interdisciplinary collaboration, expanded opportunities for young architects to participate in UIA activities, and a proactive approach to the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence presents to the architectural profession.
These priorities built upon his work as UIA Vice President for Region IV and Chair of the Strategy and Vision Committee during the 2023-2026 term, where he and his colleagues developed a number of important recommendations for the Union’s long-term strategic development.
Ahead of the General Assembly, the delegation of the Vietnam Association of Architects (VAA) also held a brief meeting with Professor Zhang Li to discuss future cooperation between the two organizations and opportunities for strengthening collaboration within the UIA framework.
Professor Zhang Li’s election is expected to further accelerate the modernization of the International Union of Architects while strengthening collaboration among its member sections. During his presidency, he and the newly elected Council will lead preparations for the 2029 UIA World Congress of Architects in Beijing and implement the strategic directions adopted at the 30th General Assembly.
New UIA Leadership for the 2026-2029 Term Confirmed
In addition to electing Professor Zhang Li (China) as President, the General Assembly completed the election of the UIA leadership for the 2026-2029 term.
According to the election results, Marco Antonio Vergara Vazquez (Mexico) was elected UIA Treasurer, Debatosh Sahu (India) was elected Vice President for Region IV, and Mohamed Sahby Gorgi (Tunisia) was elected Vice President for Region V.
In accordance with the UIA Constitution, candidates running unopposed were confirmed without a vote. These included María Teresa Táboas Veleiro (Spain) as Secretary General, Jerzy Grochulski (Poland) as Vice President for Region II, and Nivaldo Vieira de Andrade Jr. (Brazil) as Vice President for Region III. Earlier in the election process, Pei Ing Tan (Malaysia) withdrew her candidacies for both UIA President and Vice President for Region IV.
The Assembly also elected the full roster of Council Members and Alternate Council Members representing the Union’s five geographical regions, completing the governance structure for the new term.
UIA confirms international events through 2032
Alongside the election of its leadership, the General Assembly also finalized the roadmap for the UIA’s major international events over the coming years.
During the final session, the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) presented the UIA International Forum 2027, to be held in Mumbai, India, under the theme “Urban Regeneration”. The Institute extended an invitation to all UIA member sections and the international architectural community to participate. The Forum is one of two international events organized by the UIA between successive World Congresses to promote professional dialogue on critical issues facing the discipline.
In 2028, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will host the next UIA International Forum under the theme “Many Worlds, One City”. The event will focus on cultural diversity, sustainable urban development, and the role of architecture in creating inclusive cities while reinforcing the UIA’s mission of fostering international cooperation between World Congresses.
The Assembly also confirmed that Beijing, China, will host the 31st UIA World Congress of Architects and General Assembly in 2029.
To conclude the programme, delegates reviewed the bids submitted by Prague (Czech Republic) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates) to host the 2032 UIA World Congress of Architects and 32nd General Assembly. Following a vote, Prague was selected as the host city.
With these decisions, the Barcelona Assembly officially established the UIA’s international event roadmap for 2027-2032, spanning Mumbai (2027), Rio de Janeiro (2028), Beijing (2029), and Prague (2032), providing a framework for future international cooperation and professional exchange within the global architectural community.
Vietnam Association of Architects actively participates in the General Assembly
Throughout the General Assembly, the delegation of the Vietnam Association of Architects participated in all plenary sessions, voting procedures, and official activities, fully exercising the rights and responsibilities of a UIA member section. In addition to contributing to discussions and voting on key organizational, governance, and strategic matters, the delegation actively engaged with UIA leaders and representatives from numerous member organizations to strengthen professional connections, exchange experience, and expand international cooperation.
Beyond the official programme, the Vietnamese architects also visited the Assembly exhibition, exploring emerging trends, innovative initiatives, and organizational models presented by professional institutes, universities, and architectural firms from around the world.
With the conclusion of the 30th General Assembly, the UIA has not only completed a leadership transition but also established the strategic direction for its next stage of development. From Barcelona to Beijing (2029) and Prague (2032), the international architectural community is expected to deepen cooperation, expand knowledge exchange, and continue developing solutions to global challenges through the increasingly important role of architects in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.
An Du
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